Minister Shahin Meets with Churches for Middle East Peace Delegation

21/05/2024 - The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, met today with a delegation from Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), led by Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, in coordination with the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs. Shahin appreciated CMEP's efforts for an immediate ceasefire and halting U.S. arms supplies to Israel. She briefed them on the ongoing crisis in Gaza and escalating Israeli aggression in the West Bank. Shahin stressed the need for ending the war, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state. Shahin voiced concern over the threats to the Palestinian Christian presence, noting that 3% of Gaza's Christians have been killed since the war began, churches are being destroyed, and Christians face increasing restrictions in the West Bank.

Rev. Dr. Cannon emphasized the urgency of a ceasefire and stopping arms supplies to Israel, reiterating CMEP's advocacy for the Palestinian cause. 

CMEP is a coalition of over 30 churches and organizations advocating for U.S. policies that promote peace in the Middle East.